How to Deal with Breathing Problems in Rats?

Rats often visit veterinary clinics for respiratory problems, and these problems usually develop quickly. It is important for pet owners to know the causes, prevention, and treatment of respiratory problems in rats.

What causes respiratory problems in rats?


There are several factors that can cause respiratory problems in pets. The type and condition of bedding, the cleanliness of the living environment, and various diseases and infections can cause respiratory problems in pets.

Bacterial infections - Mycoplasma is a bacterium carried by most pet rats. Streptococcus, Bordetella (the same bacterium that causes kennel cough), and Pasteurella can also cause respiratory problems but are not as serious as mycoplasmosis.

Human infection with the Seoul virus can be asymptomatic or severe and require hospitalization.
Bedding problems - if the cause is in the floor of the pet rat cage, dusty, dirty bedding and cedar chips are the main causes of respiratory illness. Do not use cedar chips as bedding material and make sure the bedding is clean and dust free

Cold - Rats can catch a cold if they are too close to air conditioning vents, windows, and doors. Sudden changes in temperature can affect rats' ability to breathe.



Treatment of Respiratory Problems in Rats


If respiratory problems are present, regardless of whether the nasal or ocular discharge is present, an exotics specialist should be consulted as soon as possible and treatment initiated. If a more severe illness than a cold is diagnosed, treatment will depend on the symptoms.

The veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics and other medications depending on the severity of the illness.

Gradually, new treatments will become available, so with your veterinarian's permission, you may try new methods or one day find a vaccine or treatment.

Until then, rats diagnosed with mycoplasmosis can live for several years and maintain a good quality of life despite chronic drug treatment
Other bacterial infections - treatment should be initiated immediately as infection can rapidly progress to pneumonia. Streptococcal infections are often fatal to rats but can save their lives if antibiotics are used before they develop pneumonia.

A clean environment is very important for the health of imprisoned rats. Try using shredded paper instead of wood chips in the cage. It is inexpensive and can be easily removed and replaced.
Colds - if the body is cold, your veterinarian can recommend the best treatment for the rat. Upper respiratory infections often develop into lower respiratory infections that require a lot of care.

These respiratory problems may not be caused by bacteria such as streptococcus or mycoplasma, but should be treated as soon as possible with appropriate medication and heat.

Prevention of Respiratory Problems in Rats


The best prevention of respiratory problems in rats is to keep their enclosures clean. Rats can easily transmit diseases among themselves.

So unless you know what diseases other rats might have, you should not let your pet live with other rats.

If sick rats are kept with other rats, isolate infected rats from other rats and wash your hands thoroughly after handling the rats.

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